But they won’t be the only Welsh team looking slick in formal attire.
Clubs across Wales will have an opportunity to ensure their own players are best dressed, with a little help from the 115 year-old shirt maker and tailoring expert.
Keen to revitalise the traditional club tie market and become tailor of choice for rugby men and women around the country, T.M.Lewin has agreed to supply Warren Gatland’s national side, the Wales Under 20 squad, Wales Under 18, Sevens and Womens international players with their formal gear. WRU referees will also be provided with a range of Lewin product.
The new deal, which will run until March 2018, supersedes any previous formalwear partnership for the WRU in terms of supply and value. It will also ensure that Wales are dressed to impress at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The launch of the WRU’s new association was conducted simultaneously at the T.M.Lewin store in Cardiff and in London at the retailer’s inaugural flagship store on Jermyn Street.
Established in 1898, T.M.Lewin specialises in suits, shirts, ties and accessories for business professionals.
One of the original pioneers of the ‘coat shirt’ – the prototype of the modern button-front work shirt today – its founder Thomas Mayes Lewin set up shop in London’s Jermyn Street just 17 years after the formation of the Welsh Rugby Union.
WRU chairman David Pickering said: “It is with great pride that we welcome T.M. Lewin on board as a major supplier to the Welsh Rugby Union.
“With its rich heritage and reputation as a global multi-channel retailer, its commitment to the WRU is an endorsement of our own brand and status in the world game.
“Both brands represent similar values and the T.M.Lewin product is in line with the high standards of the elite end of our game, yet still accessible to both players and fans throughout Wales.
“We are looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership with such a major international company and are particularly keen to help T.M.Lewin develop an association with the club game in Wales, as well as showcasing their clothes in the international, age grade, sevens and women’s game.”
T.M.Lewin CEO, Geoff Quinn said: “Welsh rugby is a perfect fit for T.M.Lewin and the next four years will be an exciting time for us.
“Like the WRU, we have a rich and colourful heritage and we’re very much looking forward to sharing the Lewin experience with both players and fans.
“Seeing the squad out there wearing our suits will be a proud moment for the whole team.”
Further details of how the T.M.Lewin deal will benefit clubs throughout Welsh rugby will follow soon.
